Am I happy that Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, saw his shadow and that we will have six more weeks of winter—not really! This year we had brisk chilly weather around Christmas and a good snow in January, which was just perfect. In my opinion, it is now time to leave “ole man winter” behind.  

The warmer days we experienced in February were a teaser, causing me to long for spring. I love each season, but spring and fall are definitely my favorite they just do not last long enough here in the South. There are so many things I enjoy about springtime: the sun seems brighter, the days longer, the air fresher, and the birds more cheerful. 

One of my greatest joys is driving along the road and seeing plants and trees come to life. The dreary brown of their winter’s death is replaced by new life pushing forth. The amazing lush green and vivid colors are not only refreshing to the soul, but are evidence of the life within each plant. 

Springtime is such a visual of the Christian life. We were once dead in our sins, spiritually lifeless. But oh, the new lush life that Christ brings when He comes to dwell within us. Spiritual death is replaced with everlasting life. The Bible tells us that we are a new creation, just as the blooms on the plants burst forth exhibiting their new life each spring. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

We, as His created ones, have the joy and blessing of witnessing death giving way to new life within His creation each year. This spring, as the dead of winter gives way to new life, ask yourself these questions: Am I spiritually dead or alive in Christ? What is the evidence that Christ is living within me? Is my life filled with a vivid lush beauty that others witness and enjoy? Am I radiant, bringing refreshment to those around me? 

I believe God finds great joy in watching His children bloom. May the beauty of Christ be seen in you and me this spring and always!

Dianne